- Name
- Sarah
- Study Programme
- ICCMM
- Semester
- 3rd Semester
- Host Institution
- University of West Attica
- Location
- Athens, Greece
- Period
- February to July 2025
What was your main motivation to go abroad?
My Erasmus experience in Vilnius (Lithuania) was so good that I definitely wanted to go abroad again during my Master’s. I’m actually more of a “northern type”, but after attending a German-Greek wedding, I felt like having a Mamma Mia summer. I also believe that exchange works best when you become part of your counterpart, experiencing cultures, ways of thinking, and traditions firsthand. Experiencing Southern European culture as well was interesting both professionally (International Corporate Communication) and for my personal development.
You’re surrounded by peers from all over the world, all in the same situation: curious and open, determined to make the most of their limited time abroad.
What were your biggest concerns?
My au pair experience and Erasmus were amazing – but what if the atmosphere in Athens turned out to be completely different and I felt uncomfortable? These concerns disappeared within the first few days. There are so many Erasmus students, all open-minded, and especially at the welcome events you almost automatically find people you feel comfortable with. It also offers the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
Would you recommend a stay abroad? Why?
Definitely – whether you’re heading to Athens or somewhere else. You’re surrounded by peers from all over the world, all in the same situation: curious and open, determined to make the most of their limited time abroad.
What did you take away from your time abroad?
Freckles, many wonderful memories and friendships. I’ve also decided to bring a touch of Greek calm into my life in Germany from time to time – perhaps just not quite as chaotically :).
Fun Fact
1. In Greek, “Nai” means “Yes”, which can sometimes be a bit confusing.
2. In my photo gallery, there’s hardly a day without a cat picture.
3. Meals in the student canteen are free for students!
Were your expectations met?
My hope was to have an experience abroad that I could look back on happily in several years’ time. That has definitely come true. The only pity was that I got to see rather little of the Greek communications landscape, as the Erasmus lectures focused more on basic business administration than on subject-specific topics.
Is there anything you would like to highlight about your experience abroad?
In Athens, there are eight universities with an Erasmus Student Network (ESN), all offering programmes for Erasmus students. Since you can also take part in events at other universities, there’s a wide range of activities every week: from karaoke, hikes, and cooking for those in need, to day and weekend trips to islands or northern Greece – and of course the legendary Crete trip, where all Erasmus students from across Greece come together. Even though, after a while, you tend to organise activities more independently within your group, I find it very impressive what the students here arrange for us.
Impressions of Greece
